Spending extra time with teen who doesn’t have a social life.
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Anonymous
| I agree with a part time job and/or art or other classes. Also make her do a sport. If she’s really not into athletics, she can be a team manager. Or join a play - if she doesn’t want to be on stage, she can be stage crew. |
Anonymous
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Get her a job.
I have a similar teen (now 17), who liked to sit on the couch with all her free time instead of going out with friends. She got a work permit from school and got a simple 2 shift job as a hostess at a local restaurant. It wasn't really about the money, although she liked having some. It helped her people skills. and then I didn't have to entertain her, when I have a million things to do myself. |
Anonymous
We worked only in the cat portion. Sweeping enclosures, emptying litter, filling food and water bowls, and then just a lot of petting and playing with the cats 😃. Also worked at adoption events. |
Anonymous
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I was like your DD and I just want to let you know that what you’re doing for her is amazing and will never be forgotten. I sat alone in my bedroom all the time. I still feel sad for teenage, lonely me.
I love the idea from upthread to do the dynamic playlists. Also movie matinees, there are free daily concerts at Kennedy Center (I believe they still do them - Millenium Stage), and something like Hello Fresh. You could also get a monthly art kit. Our family now does themed nights when we pick a movie and then coordinate the dinner, mocktails, etc. It’s cheap and fun. Rio is also a a fun place. You can walk around the lake area and then get something at the candy store. |
Anonymous
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Not OP, but grateful for SO MANY fantastic suggestions here!
What do you think OP, are some of these ideas (or all of them) sounding good to do with your DD? |
Anonymous
| Firstly, as a parent, this is not your job. She doesn't need to be busy/social all the time. 15 is the perfect age to go for sad walks while listening to sad music, on her own, thinking her sad thoughts. Secondly, go to the library, go to museums, cook/bake, go for walks, volunteer together, do yard stuff together, play catch, etc. |
Anonymous
As one of the PP’s, I will say that I get where you are coming from but at least in my case this filling in for some of the socializing was maybe 4-8 hours spread from Friday night through Sunday on some weekends with zero during the week. It makes a big difference for them but left plenty, plenty of alone time. |
Anonymous
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So many great museums in our area! Not just the Smithsonians, but also Spy Museum, Planet Word, DC “Alley Museum” and others. The Postal Museum and Hollywood sound really nerdy, I know, but they’re fascinating! And if you haven’t been to Udvar-Hazy it’s a must-do.
Maybe take a class or try a hobby. There are sewing stores in the DMV that offer beginner lessons. Knitting too. You could also try photography or art classes. All the DMV parks and rec orgs have tons of affordable classes. Cooking or exercise classes could be fun too. Pickleball? Whatever you pick, good for you for not leaving her to stew with TikTok! You’re being a great mom! |
Anonymous
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Perfect age for babysitting.
Baking Cooking |
Anonymous
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So many Greta places to hike around here and it’s free
Nature centers Museums downtown Zoo Bowling Learn to knit together Volunteer at food for neighbors or comfort cases or AFAC |
Anonymous
My sil has a regular shift walking shelter dogs. |
Anonymous
Also foster dogs. |
Anonymous
| It seems that not many teens socialize out anymore! |
Anonymous
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I was similar to your DD in high school. Just a phase. My mom always encouraged me to run errands with her. Would stop and get a soda for me.
Otherwise, hiking, exercise videos? My friends mother used to always have a sewing or knitting project she did with her! |
Anonymous
| Yoga at a studio--not that expensive and great health benefits. |